Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $75–$250 est. 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online. Sole proprietors without employees may use their SSN, but an EIN is recommended for privacy and professional credibility.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

    Required for any paid preparer who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for clients. If your bookkeeping practice includes any federal tax return preparation, you must obtain and renew your PTIN annually. Bookkeeping-only services (no tax return preparation) do not require a PTIN.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online at IRS.gov)

State of Arizona

2 stops

  1. Arizona Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission (Arizona entities are formed with the ACC, not a Secretary of State). Sole proprietors operating under a business name may optionally register a trade name with the Arizona Secretary of State ($10). An LLC is commonly used for liability protection. Note: most Arizona LLCs must publish a notice of formation in a newspaper for three consecutive weeks, but LLCs whose statutory agent address is in Maricopa or Pima County are exempt.

    Official government source

    $50 LLC filing fee ($85 expedited); $60 corporation; optional $10 trade name (AZ SOS)1–5 business days (online filing)

  2. Arizona Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are generally not subject to sales tax in most states as a professional service. However, if the business sells any tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed reports) or if Arizona specifically taxes business services, a seller's permit or sales tax license may be required. Verify with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    Free–$25Immediate–1 week (online)

City of Phoenix / Maricopa County

2 stops

  1. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

    The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR1–2 weeks

  2. Phoenix Home Occupation Permit (if home-based)

    Phoenix does not require or issue a home occupation permit. Home-based businesses are allowed by right as an accessory use in residential districts if they meet the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §608 home occupation standards (business secondary to residential use, conducted within the dwelling, no outside employees, no exterior evidence, no nuisance impacts). A Use Permit under ZO §307 is needed only for activities that exceed those standards. Bookkeeping from home fits the by-right home-occupation standards; no permit or fee applies.

    Official government source

    $0 — no permit exists; home occupations are allowed by right within Zoning Ordinance §608 standards1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

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